Sapphire and Ruby Balls

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A line of sapphire and ruby balls from Meller Optics is designed for use as ball check valves, stylus tips, fiber optic lens systems and endoscope lens systems.

The sapphire and ruby balls can now be supplied with a calibration certificate validating diameter and sphericity. They feature Mohs 9 hardness and are impervious to most chemicals, solvents and detergents. Surface finishes of 0.008 to 0.010 μm are available.

With a 2,000° C melting point, a 0.2 coefficient-of-friction and a refraction index of 1.76 μm at 20° C, the devices can also be drilled and precision ground into plano-convex lenses. Available in 42 in. and metric sizes from 0.1 mm to 0.5 in. in diameter, they are suitable for a wide range of applications.